Devon is a treasure trove of pure magnificence, household sights, and coastal appeal. Whether or not you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, planning a family-friendly itinerary might be the distinction between a busy journey and a vacation filled with treasured recollections. With two coastlines, rolling countryside, and welcoming cities, Devon provides countless alternatives for exploration—all inside manageable distances that make it good for a brief break.
This 3-day itinerary is designed to provide households a different and rewarding style of what Devon has to supply. From sandy seashores and scenic walks to wildlife encounters and hands-on historical past, each day combines actions for all ages with time to calm down and benefit from the surroundings. Whether or not you’re staying in self-catering cottages, a comfortable inn, or a full-service vacation park, you’ll discover this plan versatile and simple to comply with.
Day 1: Coastal Adventures and Seaside Enjoyable in South Devon
Begin your Devon journey on the south coast in Dawlish, a quintessential seaside city that strikes the right stability between conventional appeal and pure magnificence. Start with a stroll alongside the long-lasting Dawlish seafront to see the well-known black swans paddling by the brook. Kids will love the small funfair rides and arcades, whereas the entire household can get pleasure from an ice cream on the seaside. Only a quick stroll away, Dawlish Warren provides sand dunes, nature trails, and a Blue Flag seaside with shallow waters—good for paddling or flying a kite.
Within the afternoon, discover the Dawlish Warren Nationwide Nature Reserve, house to uncommon vegetation and migratory birds. For dinner, think about a family-friendly pub or carry provides again to your lodging. There are many vacation lodging that place you inside strolling distance of each the seaside and city centre. In the event you want a resort-style setup, Cofton Holidays is without doubt one of the high decisions for households, providing swimming pools, night leisure, and bike rent that can assist you profit from your first day.
Day 2: Dartmoor Discovery and Countryside Appeal
After a day by the ocean, it’s time to discover Devon’s rugged coronary heart: Dartmoor Nationwide Park. Start your second day with a scenic drive into the moorlands, passing grazing sheep and wild ponies alongside the way in which. Your first cease might be Haytor Rocks—a comparatively straightforward climb that provides beautiful panoramic views. Kids will love scrambling over the granite tors, and it’s a super spot for a picnic. In the event you’re up for a mild stroll, head in the direction of Hound Tor, mentioned to have impressed Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Within the afternoon, make your technique to the close by village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. With its quaint tearooms, churchyard, and craft retailers, it provides a stunning slice of Devon’s rural life. Households keen on native heritage ought to go to the Dartmoor Jail Museum in Princetown or the Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, which additionally encompasses a glassblowing studio and interactive reveals. Many vacation cottages in Devon are primarily based round Dartmoor, making it straightforward to mix a nature escape with trendy comforts. Unplug from units, embrace the surroundings, and luxuriate in some high quality household time within the countryside.
Day 3: Wildlife Encounters and Waterside Wanders
In your last day, head to the Torbay space, a part of the English Riviera, to get pleasure from one in all Devon’s high household sights: Paignton Zoo. House to over 2,500 animals, the zoo provides expansive enclosures, hands-on studying zones, and an immersive expertise for youngsters and adults alike. Permit a minimum of half a day to discover, and don’t neglect to pack water bottles and snacks should you want to keep away from the on-site cafes. It’s academic, entertaining, and provides loads of shaded paths and play areas.
After the zoo, spend your late afternoon within the charming harbour city of Brixham. With its vibrant hillside cottages and duplicate of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, there’s loads to see and do. Seize fish and chips by the jetty, get pleasure from a stroll alongside Breakwater Seashore, or take a brief boat journey throughout the bay. Staying in self-catering cottages close to Torbay provides you the pliability to unwind at your individual tempo and prepare dinner up a household meal after a busy day. Alternatively, this might be the right night to deal with your self to a waterfront restaurant and toast a superb Devon journey.
Make the Most of Each Devon Second
Devon is a county finest savoured at a family-friendly tempo, the place journey occasions are quick and experiences are massive. This 3-day itinerary captures the essence of Devon’s high choices: coastal bliss, moorland majesty, and unforgettable sights. Whether or not you’re primarily based in a full-service park or exploring the county from one in all many vacation lodging within the space, there’s no scarcity of choices to fit your household’s model and schedule.
By combining lively exploration with downtime in scenic environment, you’ll depart with extra than simply pictures—you’ll carry house tales and smiles. So, pack your strolling footwear, seaside towels, and sense of journey.